Job Description

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 24088
For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Mike Giroux at or 406-994-7877
Classification Title Research Asst III
Working Title Research Assistant III
Brief Position Overview

Perform quality testing to assist the MSU Wheat Breeding Programs develop improved wheat varieties for Montana wheat producers.
Position Number 4M0322
Department Plant Sciences
Division College of Agriculture/MAES
Appointment Type Classified
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Non-Exempt
Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary $18.59 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type Classified Salary
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

The Research Assistant III position is located in the Montana State University, department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Cereal Quality Laboratory (CQL). The CQL researches the end-use properties of cereal grains. Emphasis is on flour milling and bread-baking traits of hard red and hard white wheats. In addition, the growing interest in the use of hard white wheat for the Asian noodle market has instituted noodle quality evaluation. Effects of various environmental and genetic factors are determined. The CQL cooperates with wheat breeders, field technicians, research center scientists, and others to ensure that high quality wheats are released and recommended by the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station. Additionally, the CQL is valuable in assisting with the development of new markets for Montana wheats and other small grains.
Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of Cereal Quality Lab manager Deanna Nash, the Research Assistant III will perform the following duties:

• Clean and mill wheat samples;
• Analyze whole grain and flour;
• Perform experimental test bakes;
• Analyze experimental noodles and cookies;
• Conduct various experimental testing for department researchers and graduate students;
• Provide daily supervision, instruction and delegation of laboratory duties to student employees;
• Conduct tours of the Cereal Quality Laboratory to interested parties including children, farmers, college classes, professors, and/or legislators;
• Maintain a clean work area;
• Clean glassware and perform general maintenance of laboratory equipment;
• Other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills * Two years post-secondary education including courses in biology, plant science, botany or related field or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

• Demonstrated competence using laboratory equipment.
• Demonstrated competence utilizing computer equipment and computer programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management, etc. Microsoft Office preferred.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills * Degree in biology, plant science, botany or related field or related field.

• Agricultural research experience.
• Working knowledge of quality standards for grain.
• Supervisory experience.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Establish and maintain effective working relations with a diverse group of co-workers in a team-oriented environment.
• Possess the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with co-workers.
• Prioritize workplace safety at all times.
• Consistently exercise initiative and good judgement.
• Be self-motivated and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Possess effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrate organizational and time management skills.
• Perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy and close attention to detail.
• Communicate information, procedures, and directions clearly and accurately.
• Demonstrate competence maintaining accurate and detailed laboratory records.
• Maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• Professionally represent the Cereal Quality Lab/MSU and its programs to others in a professional and courteous manner.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University\'s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands

• Duties such as milling, baking, analysis, and testing is typically accomplished while standing for several hours at a time.
• Ability to effectively work with plant materials in a dusty and noisy environment while wearing appropriate safety equipment.
• Ability to maneuver incoming wheat and barley samples weighing up to 50+ pounds.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties? Yes

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on September 25, 2023; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions
Diversity Statement

Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran\'s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran\'s preference please complete the veteran\'s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

MSU\'s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website:

Applicant Documents

Required Documents * Resume

• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Montana State University